Pneumatic telegraph device



July 6, 1937. GUSTQFSQN 2,085,801

PNEUMATIC TELEGRAPH DEVICE Filed Dec. 21, 1935 s Sheets-Sheet 1 July 6, 1937. A. P. GUSTOFSON PNEUMATIC TE LEGRAPH DEVICE Filed Dec. 21, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 6, 1937. A. P. GUSTOFSON PNEUMATIC TELEGRAPH DEVICE Filed Dec 21, 1935 3 Shee ts-Sheet 3 I n 0 Q $5 In 2 Q M m M w v 6 a n, mm k d Patented July 6, 1937 UNiTED stares eA'rENT OFFICE Adolph P. Gustofson, Chicago, Ill.

Application December 21, 1935, Serial No. 55,512

16 Claims.

This invention relates to telegraph devices and more particularly to improvements in translating devices therefor, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of novel message translating devices .of the pneumatic type for use in connection with conventional electro-magnetic telegraph systems that determines and controls the operation thereof.

One object of the present invention is to provide pneumatic means for translating code signals into mechanical operations for transmission or reception of messages.

Another object is to provide novel pneumatic means for translating codified electrical lmpulses into mechanical movements for operat ing the keys of a typewriter or other suitable printing machine or similar device.

Still anoth r object of the invention is .to utilize pneumatically operated control valves for translating electrical message impulses into mechanical operations for message rccordation in an improved and more effective manner- A further object is to provide a series of interconnected valves comprising .a pneumatic translating device of simple construction and depend able operation,

A still further object is to provide pneumatic translating devi es which are instantaneously responsive to signal impulses for efficient, noiseless and rapid message recordation.

Still .a further object is to provide a novel combination of pneumatically responsive valves and controls to comprise a comparatively inexpensive and extraordinarily rapid translating device for message reception and recordation.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective View of pneumatic translating device embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view in elevation of the translating device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line III-III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along line IV--IV of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along line VV of Figure 2.

' Figure 6 is a plan view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a code board comprising a part of the translating device shown in Figure 1.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a pneumatic signal translating device which in its preferred form, includes the combination of a. comparatively small number of pneumatically operated index valves to selectively effect the operation of a comparatively larger number of independent pneumatically operated devices together withmeans for retaining the pneumatic valves in their operative positions until a signal translation has been effected and to, thereafter, quickly return the pneumatic valves to their initial position subsequent to effecting the operation of electroemagnetic, means responsive to codified electrical impulses. Additionally, such electro-magnetic means are utilized, in the present embodiment, for returning the operated parts of a pneumatically responsive translating device to initial position after each operation thereof. This results in a I substantially noiseless, rapid, and efiicient signal translation device being provided.

More specifically, the structure selected for illustration comprises a circular distributor B which, in this instance, is divided into seven elecsegments l to l of the distributor 8. The rotation of the brush 9 is in synchronism with a simi-. lar brush in an electrical transmitting device which may be of any standard or approved construction, but since it formsno part of this invention, it is not illustrated. A lead wire in extends from ,a grounded transmitting device and is connected to the brush 9 to provide the necessary circuit to the segments I to 'Ileadingto relays as will appear more fully hereinafter.

With the rotation of the brush 9 over the sections E to l of the distributor '8 by means of a suitable motor operatively connected therewith, the transmitting device sends impulses over the wire IE] to the brush 9 in a predetermined code. It must be borne in mind, however, .that in one complete rotation of the brush 9, one electrical impulse is only conducted to any one of the segments l to 6 as the brush 9 passes thereover. The seventh segment is for control purposes only as will appear more fully hereinafter. In consequence thereof, two, three, or as many assix electrical impulses may be imparted to the brush 7 of. These impulses are transmitted in accordance with a predetermined code to the first six segments of the distributor 8, and these codified impulses are pneumatically translated into mechanical movements for recordation through the medium of a printer, typewriter or other device suitable for that purpose as will appear more fully hereinafter.

It should be understood that the distributor 8 and brush 3 are merely illustrative of a device for distributing electrical signals or codified impulses from a transmitter, and any other suitable or standard distributor appliance may be substituted therefor Without departing from or sacrificing any advantage of my invention which is directed to a pneumatic signal translating device that will be understood from the hereinafter described preferred embodiment serving to illustrate the principle rather than denote any precise instrumentalities as necessary to its physical embodiment.

As shown, conductors or lead wires H extend from each of the distributor sections l, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 3 to a terminal l2 of a corresponding number of relays [3. The relays l3 are grounded through their other terminals 14 through the medium of lead wires E5 to complete the electrical circuit for transmitting and distributing the code signals. It is worthy of note that any other type of receiving or distributor device may be employed with equal or better advantage, since the distributor 8 is merely illustrative of the purpose and function of the source for electrical signals which are translated through pneumatically responsive instrumentalities into mechanical movements as will appear more fully hereinafter. Obviously, the relays l3 may be connected to any electric signal transmitting circuits such asthe well known Mux or start-andstop telegraph systems now in use in connection with various types of telegraph transmitters and distributors.

Each relay l3 includes a pivotally mounted armature 56 that has a connecting spring ll anchored at the other extremity l8 thereof to normally displace or urge the armature 16 from the core l9 of each relay l3. As shown, the relay armatures it are provided with pneumatic control valves on the free extremities thereof for displacement therewith responsive to the energization of the relays E3 or the springs H which are operative during the de-energization of the relays E3 to permit the separation of the armature Hi from contact with the relay cores l9 so that the valves 28 assume an extreme clockwise position (viewed from Figure l) in contact with the open extremities 2! of the air tubes 22. A tube 22 is provided for each of the relays l3 and extends for communication with each of the chambers 23, in this instance six, closed by diaphragms 24 dividing the lower section 25 from an upper section 26 which are complemental to each other to define a primary valve block 21. Intermediate the lower section 25 and the upper section 26 of the primary valve block 27, is a longitudinal passage 23 which communicates with an air tube 29 for controlling the primary valve block 27 as will appear more fully hereinafter.

A motor driven vacuum pump or other suitable suction means 33 is provided with an intake housing 3! comprising the suction side of the pump 30 for communication with the conduit 29 leading to the primary valve block 21 so that a vacuum is steadily maintained in the conduit 29 and its communicating passage 28 defined by both sections 25 and 26 and the sectional primary valve block 21. Bleeder ports 32 are provided in the lower valve block section 25 to connect the chambers 23 with the longitudinally chambered interior passage 28 of the primary Valve block 2?. Flexible diaphragms 24 constitute a wall of the chambers 23 and hermetically seal these from the passage 28, except for communication therebetween through the bleeder ports 32. So long as the relay valves 20 close the free ends of the tubes it, a vacuum is maintained in the diaphragm sealed chambers 23 through the bleeder ports 32, thereby depressing or concavely drawing the diaphragms 24 into the suction chambers 23 (see Figure 2).

Now, then, valved openings or passages 33, in this instance six, are provided in the upper section 26 of the primary valve block 21 and extend transversely therethrough for communication with the interior longitudinal passage 28 which, in turn, has bleeder action with the chambers 23 through the ports 32. The valved openings 33 extend through the upper section of the primary valve block 2'! for controlled exterior communication with the outside atmosphere by discshaped valves 34.. The disc-shaped valve members 34 have surface liners 35 of yieldable material such as leather to contact the openings 33 around their peripheral edge which communicate with the outside atmosphere. The disc valves 34 are provided with axially extending rods 33 which extend through the openings 33 to terminate in convex valve heads 31 that conform in curvature with and confront the diaphragms 24. Reinforcing and leather inserts 38 are provided in the apex of the diaphragms 24 to contact the convex valve heads 3! so as to extend the normal life thereof and provide desirable operating characteristics thereof. Then, too, the flat surface 39 of the convex valve heads 37, are provided with liners 43 of yieldable material such as leather for coaction with the interior extremities of the openings 33 which communicate with the suction passages 28 of the primary valve block 21. Thus, when the valve members 34 have their liners 35 in closed contact with the top surface of the block section 26 to close the openings 33from communication with the atmosphere, the convex valve heads 31 are displaced from the interior extremities of these same openings 33. Consequently, these openings 33 will, in this position of the valves 34--363l, be in communication with the suction passage 28 so that a vacuum will exist therein. With the elevation of the valves 34363l, the valve surface 40 closes the openings 33 from the vacuum passage 28 and removes the valve surface 35 from the exterior peripheral edge of the openings 33, thereby converting the openings 33 to atmospheric rather than vacuum influence.

A secondary valve block 4| is also provided with a corresponding number of chambers 42,

in this instance six, formed in the lower section 43 that confronts an upper section 44 which are complemental to each other to define an intermediate longitudinal passage 45. A conduit 46 communicates with the passage and like the conduit 29 of the primary valve block 21, extends for communication with the intake housing 3| of the pump 30 to maintain avacuum in the passage 45. The passage 45 is sealed from the chambers 42 by flexible diaphragms 41 to con- 75 aosa-so'i stitute a wall of the chambers 42 and hermetically seal these from the passage 45. Now, then, valved openings or passages 48, in this instance six, are provided in the upper sec tion it of the secondary valve block 5i and extend transversely therethrough to terminate in reduced openings 59 which communicate with the interior longitudinal vacuum maintained passage 55. The valved openings 48 also extend through the top surface of the'upper section of the sec- 'ondary valve'block 4|, there being a plate 58 associated therewith to provide axially aligned openings 51 of reduced size corresponding substantially with the openings 49 and in registry therewith through the valved openings 58 for controlled exterior communication with the out side atmosphere by disc-shaped valves 52. The disc-shaped valve members 52 have surface liners or valve seats 53 of yieldable material such as leather to contact the openings 5i around their peripheral edge which communicate with the outside atmosphere. The disc valves 52 are also provided with axially extending rods 55 which extend through the aligned openings 48 and t9, the latter also being valved by a yieldable valve seat liner 55 on the opposite surface of the disc valves 52 which are, therefore, double acting.

The valve rods 56 terminate to confront the diaphragms 5'5 which have reinforcing and leather inserts 56 provided in the apex of the diaphragms Ql' to. contact the extremities of the valve rods 54 so as to extend the normal life thereof and provide effective operating characteristics therefor. Thus, when the valve members 52 have their seats 53 in closed contact with the top plate 50 of the upper block section 44 to close the openings 5! from communication with the atmosphere, the disc valves 52 with their seats 55 are displaced from the interior extremities of the lower openings 49. Consequently, these openings 49 will, in this position of the valves 52, be in communication with the suction passage 65 so that a vacuum. will exist therein. With the descent of the valves 52, the valve seats 55 close the openings -59 from the vacuum passage 45 and removes the valve seats 53 from the interior peripheral edge of the openings 5i, thereby converting the openings 49 to atmospheric rather than vacuum influence. i s

-Another secondary valve block 5? is also provided with a corresponding number of chambers 58, in this instance six, formed in the lower section 59 that confronts an upper section 59 which are complemental to each other to define an intermediate longitudinal passage El A conduit 62 communicates with the passage 5i and like the conduits 29 and 45 of the primary and secondary valve blocks 21 and ti, respectively, extends for communication with the intake housing 3! of the 1 pump 39 to maintain a vacuum in the passage Bl. The passage 52 is sealed from the chambers 58 by flexible diaphragms 63 to constitute a wall of the chambers 58 and hermetically seal these from the passage 6!.

In the main, the construction of this additional secondary valve block 5'! is similar tothe primary valve block 21, there being valved openings or passagesfi l, in this instance six, in the upper section of this secondary valve block 51. The openings 54 extend transversely through the upper valve block section 65 for controlled exterior communication with the atmosphere by discshaped valves 65 which have yieldable seats 65 to contact the peripheral edge of the openings 54 to seal such from theatmosphere. The discvalves 55' are provided with axially extending rods 67 which extend through the openings 54 to terminate in'convex valve heads 68 that con form in curvature with and confront the diaphragms 63 preferably provided with reinforcing leather inserts 59 positioned in the apex thereof to contact the convex heads 58. The convex valve heads 68 have a flat surface l0 provided with yieldable seats or liners H for coaction with the interior peripheral edges of the openings 64 Which communicate with the suction passage 5|. Thus, when the valve members 65 have their seats 56 in closed contact with the top surface of the valve block section Bilto close the openings 7 54 from the atmosphere, the convex valve heads 58 are displaced from the interior peripheral edge of these same openings 54.

Consequently, these openings 64 will, in this positionof the valve members 65, be in communication with the suction. passage 8i so that a vacuum will exist therein. With the elevation of the valve members 65, the valve seat Tl closes the openings 64 from the vacuum passage 5! and in the primary and first secondary blocks 2? and 1 ll, respectively, are coordinated to enable the translation of the signal for recordation on mechanical devices which will be discussed infra.

To this end, conduits l2 communicate between the valve openings 33 in the primary block 21 and thechambers 32 of the secondary block 4|. The primary valve openings 33, in turn, communicate through conduits it with the chambers 58 in the auxiliary or additional secondary valve block 5?. V

Now then, a holding valve block'l is'provided with chambers 75, in this instance six, that are formed in the upper section it that confronts a lower section H to comprise the holding valve block M. Diaphragms 78 close the chambers I5 and rest adjacent the surface of the lower block section ill; for operative communication with ports is that lead from conduits 89 in branched connection with the conduits 22 controlled by the relay operated valves 25/ A suction passage 8| is provided longitudinally through the holding block i i in the lower section ll thereof and be neath the diaphragms 78. The suction passage 8i has by-passes 82 between this passage 8i and.

each of the chambers 15, and these Icy-passes 82 extend therefrom to a position below the diaphragm's l8 therein for reasons which will appear more fully hereinafter. Conduits 83 intercormect the chambers 15 of the-holding block. 14 with the chambers 63 through ports 49 of the secondary valve block M for communication therewith above the diaphragms 57 therein.

A code block as has longitudinally extending channels 86 and 81 in each longitudinal segment 88 thereof, in this instance the code block 6). One branch of the code pamages 89 leads from a longitudinally extending chamber 90 provided in a section 8i comprising part of the code block 85, to diaphragms 92 that close a plurality of code chambers 93 in a section 94 that is complemental to the section 9| with the diaphragms 92 disposed ,therebetween. The chambers 93 above the diaphragms 92 are in communication with the channels 89. The next branch 95 of the passage 89 leads from the first code chamber 92 from beneath the diaphragm 99 to a succeeding code chamber 92 beneath its diaphragm 93, there being six segments 88 and each has its code chamber 92 so that these areinterconnected as described supra by means of the branches or bypasses 95, 99, 9'5, 98, 99, and I90. As stated, the chambers 93 above their diaphragms 92 are in communication with the channels 86.

There are also a plurality of code chambers IOI provided in the section 94 of the code block 85, to communicate with the channels 81 in each code block segment 88. These are, in this instance, alternately disposed and arranged relative to the code chambers 92, and similarly therewith communicate with the longitudinal chamber 90 through conduits I02 that extend to diaphragms I03 that close the code chambers IOI. Then branches or by-passes I94, I05, H36, I01, I08, and I89 interconnect the code chambers I05 in a manner similar to the by-passes 95, 95, 9?, 98, 99, and 509 that interconnect the code chambers 93; however, the code chambers 93 communicate with the longitudinal channel 86 while the code chambers l! communicate with the longitudinal channel 81 in each of the block segments 88, and the code chambers 93 and IOI of each code block segment 88 are re- ,fiectively interconnected by by-passes 95 to I00 and I04 to I99 inclusive. Now, then, the conduits 83 that interconnect the chambers 48 and I5 of the secondary valve block 9I and the holding block 74, respectively, have extension passages I I0 provided, in this instance, between the secondary block 4| and the section 94 of the code block 85, to communicate with the longitudinal channels 86 (Figure 2). Conduits III extend between the valve chambers 84 in the auxiliary or additional secondary block 51 to communicate with the longitudinal channels 8'! in each segment 88 of the code block section 94.

When the translating device is at rest, the channels 83 are in communication with the atmosphere, and a vacuum is present in the channels 8?. Thus, the code passages 89 are closed together with their by-passes 95 to I00 because the diaphragms 92 in the code chambers 93 are seated to close all possible communication therein while the diaphragms I93 in the code chambers I9I which communicate with the channels 8'! are unseated so that communication is established between the by-passes I04 to I99 that open therein. This difference in the position of the diaphragms 92 and I03 is due to the exertion of atmospheric pressure on the seated diaphragms 92 and the influence of a vacuum on the unseated diaphragms I03. Reversal of these positions is a matter of valve operation in the various blocks 2T, M, and 57 as well as the control efiected by the holding block 74 which responds to the code block 85. The various code chambers 92 and I0! are arranged in different combinations so that, for example, their respective diaphragms are seated or unseated to respond to difierent signal impulses from the distributor 8 and to detect such for corresponding translation for operating a printer or other receiver. It will be apparent that a large number of varied arrangements and combinations ofthe code chambers 92 and IOI are possible and, further, additional code capacity may be accomplished by reversing the conditions in the channels 86 and 81 so that a vacuum may be drawn in the channel 86 of each segment 88 and the channel 81 thereof may be connected for communication with the atmosphere. Moreover, this reversal of the conditions in the channels 86 and 81 may be effected in a single or in any number of segments 88 so that various combinations may be resorted to for increasing the capacity of the code block 85 to substantially a limitless value.

The arrangement of the diaphragms 93 and I03 and the possible alternating of the conditions in the channels 86 and 81 in difierent segments 88 of the code block 85 renders such possible, simple, and efiicient. Although a very large number of. combinations are possible, in the present instance however, only forty-five combinations are utilized. Consequently, fortyfive transverse code passages 89 and I02 are provided in the code block 85. Individual conduits H5 extend from each of the terminal bypasses I00 and I09 which communicate with the" last code chamber 92 and IOI in each code block segment 88 of the code block 85, to establish connection with diaphragm chambers I I6 in a bellows block II! of a pneumatically operated printer or other receiver I I8. A diaphragm I I9 is provided in each chamber H8 and separates such from a suction chamber I in each bellows block 1.

A bleeder passage I2I establishes communication between the diaphragm chamber I I6 and the suction chamber I20 in each block II'I. A bellows I22 is mounted on the upper side of each block Ill. A spring I23 is connected thereto for suitable attachment to a fixed part of the device A such as the frame to normally hold the bellows distended. A port I24 is provided in each block II! to establish communication between the interior of the bellows I22 and a valve body opening I25 which has a valved port I26 providing communication therefor with the suction chamber I20.

Another port I21 is provided in the block II! above the valve body opening I25 to provide access to the atmosphere, there being a valve I28 in the opening I25 to control the ports I20 and I2! for opening or closing responsive to the action of the diaphragm II9 that cooperates with a rod I29 extending axially from the disc valve I28. The disc valve I28 has a valve seat I30 to cooperate with the port I26 closing the suction passage I20 from the bellows I 22 and opening the port I2'I to subject such to atmospheric influences when the valve I28 is displaced downwardly. When the valve I28 ascends from its downward position (shown in Figure 2) to establish communication between the chambers I20, and I29, the bellows I22 is under suction influence and collapses against the urge of the spring I23. The suction chambers I20 are connected with the pump 30 through a conduit I3I that is in communication with its housing 3|, and each of the bellows I22 is provided with a link I32 that is connected to a key arm I33 of a pneumatic typewriter or other receiving device H8.

The presence of atmospheric influence in the conduit II5 (Figure 2) causes the diaphragm II9 to move upwardly by reason of the vacuum in chamber I20 and, thereupon, the valve I28 asaosastor cends to close the port 121 and opens the port I26. Thereupon a vacuum is created in the port I24 to collapse the bellows I22. The collapsing of the bellows I22 is utilized to actuate the key arm I33 connected thereto, thereby impressing a letter that corresponds with the electric signal received from the distributor 8 and translated to a mechanical movement on the receiver II 8. It should be noted that the link I32 can be connected to any suitable device depending upon the dictates of commercial practice and the use to which the teachings of the present invention is contemplated. When predetermined code signals are received on a receiving device (to be described infra) and the corresponding solenoids I3 are actuated, the various diaphragms 92 or I83 in one code passage 85 or 81 will all be unseated to admit pressure into a conduit H5 connected to this particular code passage. Therefore, the diaphragm H9 in the receiver block III, will elevate the valve I23 to close the port I27 and open the port I26 to create a vacuum in the bellows I22, effect its collapse, and actuate the key arm I33 to print the letter corresponding with the signal responsible for the operation thereof.

It has been explained that the valves 65 in the auxiliary secondary block 5?, are normally positioned to establish communication between the openings 64 and the suction passage 6i; consequently, a suction or vacuum is provided in these openings 64. The conduits III connect the openings 64 with the longitudinal channels 87 in each code block segment 88 so that a vacuum is normally present in the longitudinal channels SI of the code block 85. Furthermore, the passages IIO extend from the openings 48 in the secondary block II to the channels 86 in each code block segment 88. Since these openings 48 normally communicate with the atmosphere, it is apparent that atmospheric pressure is normally admitted to the channels 85 while a suction or vacuum is normally present in the channels 81 in the segments 88 of the code block 85. It is also worthy of note that the transverse code passages 89 and I62 admit pressure into the conduits H5 leading therefrom to normally dist'end' the bellows I22. This occurs under the control of instrumentalities that will now be explained. V

A conduit I35 leads from the chamber Si in the block 85 to a passage I39 in a control block I31. A suction chamber I38 is provided in the block I 3? for termination in a conduit I39 that communicates with the pump 39. Consequently a vacuum is normally drawn in the chamber I38, and communication between this chamber I38 and the passage I 36 is normally. established through a valved opening I39. A valve member I40 is disposed in the opening I39 tonormally assume a closed position admitting suction or a vacuum influence to the chamber I33 so that the valve head I normally closes the opening I39 from the atmosphere. A chamber I42 is provided in the block I5? and a diaphragm I43 isprovided therefor to control the valve member I4! through its axial rod I44. A vacuum is normally drawn in the diaphragm chamber I42 through a bleeder port I45 that communicates with a passage I 25 which terminates in the diaphragm chamber I 42.

A conduit I4! leads from the diaphragm chamber I42 and the terminal open end thereof is normally closed by a valve member I48 on the armature I49 owing to the urge of a spring I50 connected thereto-(Figure l). The armature I49 7 is pivoted to cooperate with an electro-magnet I50 which has one end I5! of its winding con nected to the seventh section of the distributor 8 through a wire I52. the solenoid winding I59, is grounded as at I54. With each revolution of the brush 9 of the distributor '8, an electric impulse: passes from a conductor I leading to an independent source of current, through the brush 9 and distributor section I tothe winding. of the solenoid, I50 tooperate the. valve. member II4I3 in the control block I371 which functions after the signalpulses in the first six sections of. the distributor 8 have been translated as will appear more fully hereinafter.

As shown, a conduit I56 leads from the passage I35 to a bellows I5? that is-normally collapsed against the action of a spring I58, since-a vacuum is drawn therein by reason of communication thereof with the passage I365; The bellows'I5'I is connected to an arm I59 having a trip finger projection I60 that is normally urged into engagement with a confronting trip projection IN on a valve arm I62 owing'to a spring I63. The arm I52 carries a valve I64 that is urged by the spring I63 into closing position over the open end of a conduit I65. The conduit I 55 leads to a diaphragm chamber I56 in a second control block I61. The chamber I66 has a diaphragm I68 pro,- Vided therein to control the operation: of a valve member I 69 disposed in an opening or Valve The other end-"I53; of'

chamber I70 that has reduced ports Ill and H2,

the port I'II communicating with a suctiorrpassage H3. The suction passage I73 is provided in the block- I6! for connection with the pump 30 through a conduit I'M. The port I12 on the other hand, i communicates with the atmosphere. Another passage I75 is'provided in the block I61 for communication with the valve chamber I'IIJ which is connected with the suction passage 8| in the holding valve block l4 through a conduit W6.

A bleeder port I'I'I' connects the diaphragm cham ber I56 with the suction passage I13. "The valve chamber I'Iii is normally in communication with the atmosphere through the port N2; the valve member I59 closing the port opening III through which communication may be established between the suction passage I13 and'the valve chamber I'III when the valve I I59 ascends responsive to the 'diaphragm IE8 to close the port I12 leading to the atmosphere} a 1.

' Now, then, such of the key operating bellows I22 comprising part of the receiver H8, are actuated responsive to their individual code chambers 93 and/or III I which are selectors of electrical. signals reaching the solenoids I3 that have .armae' tures I8 cooperating with theair tubesx22 for translating electrical impulses to pneumatic actionswhich control'thebellows I22. The seventh pulsesolenoid I5Il controls theother pulses after signal recordation has'been effected to restore them to initial position in a cycle of operations that will now be explained. Actuation of any one or more of the key arms I33 for recordingsignals duits H5 leading to the selected bellows I22;

Hence, the valve 34in the primary block 21. controlling diaphragms 92 will be operated while the primary valves 34 controlling diaphragms 92', will remain in normal position. In order to effect this selection, electrical signal impulses must pass through the sections I, 2, 3, and of the distributor 8 as the brush 9 contacts therewith so that the solenoids I3 connected therewith will be energized. Consequently, the energized solenoids I3 will lift their armature valves 20 from the open ends of their tubes 22 leading to the diaphragm chambers 23 having the diaphragms 24 for actuating the valves 34. This occurs in that the diaphragm chambers 23 are opened to the atmosphere to destroy the vacuum previously present in these chambers 23. As a result, the diaphragms 24 willbe convexly flexed to elevate the valves 34 through their rods 36 that are operatively connected to the diaphragms 24 through the medium of their heads 31.

More specifically, when thevacuum is destroyed in these chambers 23, the vacuum in the passage 28 will enable air admitted in the aforementioned diaphragm chambers 23 to move the diaphragms 24 upwardly to correspondingly elevate the valve members 34. This will close communication between the openings 33 and the passage 28 in the primary valve block 21, and air is admitted into these openings 33 around the elevated valves 34. Therefore, air is also admitted into the diaphragm chambers 42 in the secondary valve block 4| thereby elevating the diaphragms 41 in these chambers 42 inasmuch as a vacuum is present in the passage 45. When these secondary diaphrams 4T flex upwardly, the valves 52 are also elevated and communication between the valve openings 48 and the atmosphere is closed-off. These valve openings 48 then communicate with the passage 45 so that a vacuum is created therein. Inasmuch as the longitudinal chambers 86 in the code block section 94 are in communication with the corresponding valve openings 48 in the secondary valve block 4|, a vacuum will be drawn in the code chambers 93 so that the diaphragms 92 are convexly flexed or retracted to establish communication between the longitudinal chamber 90 and conduit II5 inasmuch as the diaphragms 92 do not move from their illustrated positions by reason of the fact that their primary control valves 34 are not operated in this cycle of code combinations corresponding to the signals that are responsible for such a selection.

At the same time air is admitted through conduits I3 into the corresponding chambers 58 of the auxiliary secondary valve block 51; therefore, the diaphragms 63 in these chambers 53 flex upwardly to elevate the valves 65; This shuts off communication between the valve openings 64 and the suction passage BI. As a result, air is admitted into these valve openings 64 for passage through conduits III into longitudinal channels 81 to destroy the vacuum normally present in these channels. Simultaneously with the creation of a vacuum in the longitudinal channels 86, a vacuum is .provided in the chambers I5 of the holding block 76 so that the diaphragms I8 are unseated. This establishes communication between the suction passage 9! in the holding block I6 and the tubes 89 leading from the conduits 22 that communicate with the diaphragm chambers 23 normally under a vacuum influence. At this time the passage 8| is in communication with the atmosphere through the conduit I16, the valve chamber I69 and port opening -I'I2 of the control block I61. Consequently, even though the solenoid operated armaturevalves 26 which were initially unseated from the ends of the tubes 22 become reseated, which occurs as soon as the brush 9 passes from contact with the respective distributor sections I to I connected to the solenoids controlling the valves 29, air is admitted into these tubes 22 so that the above described instrumentalities which were rendered operative when the valves 29 were unseated, are held in the positions they have attained owing to the action and control exercised by the holding block I4.

Normally a vacuum is created in the longitudinal chamber 90 inasmuch as its conduit I35 communicates with the passage I36 that in turn communicates with the suction chamber I38 through the valved opening I39 of the control block I31. However, as explained, when all of the diaphragms in any particular code passage 89 or I92 are unseated, pressure is to be admitted into the bellows I22 communicating with this particular code passage through a conduit II5. This is accomplished as the brush 9 passes over the section I at the end of each revolution thereof, for

the seventh pulse solenoid I50 is then energized so that the armature valve I48 (Figure 1) is unseated from the free end of the tube I41. Consequently air is admitted in this tube M1 for entry into the diaphragm chamber I 42 of the control block I37 wherein a vacuum was previously present. Therefore, the diaphragm I43 flexes convexly upwardly to elevate the valve member I40 which closes the valve opening I39 and opens the port I39. Air is, therefore, admitted through the port I39 into the passage I36 and through the conduit I35 into the longitudinal chamber 99 and through the opened code passage 89 or I02 in the code block 85 to the diaphragm chamber N6 of the receiver bellows block IIB. Thereupon the diaphragm I I9 in the receiver bellows block H8 is moved upwardly to elevate the valve I28 for closing the port I21 and opening the port I26 to establish a vacuum in the chamber I24. The bellows I 22 will then collapse and move the link I32 downwardly to operate the key arm I33 connected thereto.

Air admitted into the passage I36 of the control block I37 to pass through the conduit I56 for entry into the bellows I5! which expands to displace the trip I69 over the confronting cam surface I6I to interpose a delay sufficient to enable operation of the bellows I22 as described supra. However, as soon as the trip I66 has moved a predetermined distance over the cam surface I5I, the valve I 64 is unseated from the free end of the tube I65 and air is, therefore, admitted into the diaphragm chamber I66 of the control block I6! to move the diaphragm I68 upwardly. This elevates the valve I69 so that the port In is closed and the port I ll is opened for establishing communication between the valve chamber I76 and the suction passage I13. Therefore, a vacuum is drawn in the valve chamber I19 and the conduit I'IS so that the previously unseated diaphragms I8 in the chambers I5 of the holding block '54 are subjected to a vacuum and reseated to assume their initial positions (Figure 2). Thereupon, further introduction of air into the tubes 22 is precluded, and a vacuum is again drawn in the diaphragm chambers 23 so that the valves 34 are reseated to assume their initial positions shown in Figure 2. Consequently, other instrumentalities control these valves 34 to their initial positions in readiness for another cycle of operations predicated on electrical signals that are handled.- by the distributor 8 during successive revolutions of the brush 9.

It will be apparent that the seventh pulse solenoid valve I48 like the solenoid operated valves 20, is unseated only momentarily'for as soon as the brush 9 has passed from. the distributor section I, the solenoid I50 is de-energized and the spring I50 reseats the valve I48. This shuts 01f any further admission of air into the diaphragm chamber I 32 of the control block I31 and, there-,

upon, a vacuum is again drawn in this chamber M2' by reason of its communication with the suction chamber I38 through the bleeder passage I45. Hence, the valve I49 is quickly returned to its initial position as shown in Figure 2 so that a vacuum is again drawn into the passage I36 to collapse the bellows I51 to allow the springs IE3 to return the arms I59 and N52 to the positions illustrated in Figure l. Thevalve I64 will, therefore, shut off the admission of air into the tube I65 with the result that a vacuum is again drawn in the diaphragm chamber I66 to return the valve I69 to its initial position shown in Figure 2.

As soon as the initial position is re-established in the longitudinal channels 86 and 81 of the code block section 94, the admission of air to the conduit H5 is closed and, therefore, a vacuum is again drawn in the receiver bellows block diaphragm chamber II6 by reason of its communication with the suction passage I20 through the bleeder passage I ZI. Thus, the valve I28 is returned to its initial position shown in Figure 2 and air is admitted into the chamber I24 so that the bellows I22 distendsor expands with the aid of the spring I 23. It will thus be seen that all instrumentalities 'will be promptly returned to their initial positions after a cycle of operations so that the device will be ready to translate the next code signal received by the distributor 8. Thus a translating device embodying a large number of combinations has been provided to quietly, speedily, dependably, and efficiently receive and record messages with any suitable type of receiver II 8. Since the signal translation is pneumatically effected, it is cap-able of rapid and positive operation and the possibility of failure is reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, by eliminating a complicated wiring system, the location i of any defect in the event of failure is simplified and capable of speedy correction.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of the advantage of the invention or any feacally connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armaturesof said solenoids, air tubes mountedso that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and. closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic'means including a code valve block having a plurality ofpneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, asecondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connection therewith.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves'for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said. solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connection therewith, another secondary valve block pneumaticallyconnected to the aforesaidvalve blocks. I

5. In a device of the. character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for open ing and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said dis' tributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connec tion therewith, another secondary valve block pneumatically connected to the aforesaid valve blocks, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connection therewith, another secondary valve block pneumatically connected to the aforesaid valve blocks, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and solenoid operated pneumatic means for restoring said code block, primary block, secondary blocks and holding block to initial valve positions.

'7. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connec- "tion therewith, another secondary valve block pneumatically connected to the aforesaid valve blocks, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary secondary valve blocks, solenoid operated pneumatic means for restoring said code block, primary block, secondary blocks and holding block to initial valve positions, and pneumatic receiver means operatively responsive to said solenoids and pneumatic valve block means.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating Solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, a holding block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting thesignals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks.

10. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electric-a1 distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, and pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a

primary valve block having pneumatically oper-' ated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks.

11. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanic-a1 movements, a holding block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and pneumatic receiver means operatively responsive to said solenoids and pneumatic valve block means.

12. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted'so that their free ends confrontv said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating elec trical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and pneumatic receiver means operatively responsive to said solenoids and pneumatically operated valve block means.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with thenumber of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and pneumatic receiver means operatively responsive to said solenoids and pneumatically operated valve block means.

14. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electrically connected to said distributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means'in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said primary valves for pneumatic connection therewith, another secondary valve block pneumatically connected to the aforesaid valve blocks, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and solenoid operated pneumatic means including a control valve for restoring said code block, primary block, secondary blocks and holding block to initial valve positions.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination with an electrical distributor, of a plurality of armature operating solenoids electri cally connected to saiddistributor, a plurality of air valves associated with the armatures of said solenoids, air tubes mounted so that their free ends confront said armature valves for opening and closing said tubes, pneumatic means in communication with said tubes for translating electrical signals to mechanical movements, said pneumatic means including a code valve block having a plurality of pneumatically operated valves for selecting the signals from said distributor through'said solenoid operated valves, a primary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding with the number of solenoids for pneumatic connection with said code block, a secondary valve block having pneumatically operated valves corresponding in number with said-primary valvesfor pneumatic connection therewith, another secondary valve block pneumatically connected to the aforesaid valve blocks, a holding valve block for interposing delay in the action of the valves in said primary and secondary valve blocks, and solenoid operated air tube valves associated with said solenoid armatures, air tubes having their open ends extending in confronting relation with said valves to open and close said tubes responsive to the energization and de-energization of said solenoids, a pneumatic receiver for recording signals transmitted to said solenoids through said distributor, pneumatic means interposed between said solenoid controlled air tubes and said receiver to translate electrical signals into mechanical movements for operating said pneumatic receiver, and pneumatically operated valve means responsive to said final pulse conducting segment to restore said first named pneumatic means and receiver to initial position for repeated response to said distributor pulse transmitting segments in successive cycles of signal transmission thereto.

ADOLPI-I P. GUSTOFSON. 

